Climate Change

Charting the path to Carbon Neutral by 2050.

Addressing climate change is a top concern for Seattle and climate protection initiatives are woven throughout Seattle city policies, programs and planning efforts. The Office of Sustainability & Environment is the primary driver behind Seattle climate policy development, but nearly every city department plays a role in protecting and enhancing the climate.

Climate change is not a stand-alone issue separate from the other issues that cities face. It is rooted in land use, transportation, energy use, and consumption patterns that have evolved over generations. The City of Seattle is pursuing a goal of carbon neutrality by 2050 and recently adopted the Seattle Climate Action Plan as the first step toward achieving that goal.

Measuring Progress

The Office of Sustainability & Environment tracks and measures Seattle's greenhouse gas emissions on a regular basis. Called greenhouse gas inventories, these reports identify the source and amount of greenhouse gas production across the city of Seattle, as well as from city operations. Greenhouse gas inventories inform planning and help monitor progress made toward our climate protection goals.

Citywide InventoriesOSE conducts a community greenhouse gas inventory every three to four years.

Municipal Operations Inventory Also known as a "corporate inventory", this inventory measures emissions from operation of Seattle's municipal buildings and fleets, landfills, employee air travel, commutes, and solid waste, and from electricity purchased through contracts to supplement the City's hydropower. Our next municipal operations inventory will be completed in 2014.

Climate Research

Climate action good for business

"The successful cities of the future will be those that pro-actively plan and invest in energy productivity, clean energy, and green infrastructure and design."Learn moreabout what economic studies say about the connection between climate friendly cities and business health.

Report Concerns

Help Protect Our Environment

How to get in touch when you see something that needs to be addressed.